Extension educator, agricultural productions systems

McLeod/Meeker County

Due to a later than usual spring and wet conditions, farmers are going to be pressed to get their spring small grain, alfalfa, corn, and soybean crops into area fields. According to the National Safety Council, farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Many of the mechanical, chemical, and environmental hazards increase the risk of accidents. Many of the accidents that do occur could possibly be prevented. Over 700 farmers and ranchers die in work-related accidents yearly and another 120,000 agricultural workers suffer disabling injuries.

Those at risk working on the farm range from young children to senior farmers. Nobody is left out and considered safe when working on farms. Youth often are working at a very young age with very little supervision. Youth at risk are many times innocent bystanders or passengers on farm equipment. Take every precaution when taking your youth with you out to the field.

Often youth are utilized to help out with the farm work. Be sure to look out for their interests by keeping them safe. Always think of how to safely operate the machines and equipment you are running before you start and be sure to tell youth important information as well.

Children are at special risk from farm related accidents, but they are by no means the only ones that should be worried about. Farmers also need to follow the safety guidelines and watch out for there safety as well. What is good enough for the kids should also be good for the farmer as well.

Those using the roadways should also take extra precaution when driving because there will be numerous tractors and slow moving vehicles on the roadways. Often, older equipment does not have proper signaling equipment and new equipment takes up a large amount of the roadway.

Exercise extra precaution when sharing the road with vehicles that have the slow moving vehicle sign on the back. Good luck with the spring planting and please remember to take things slowly and exercise safety in your daily work!